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Heat Advisory issued for Friday across all of Northeast Ohio

Cleveland weather from the Power of 5 weather team

By: Katie McGraw , Courtney Shaw , Trent Magill

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A Heat Advisory has been issued for nearly all of Northeast Ohio on Friday. Lake County and northern Ashtabula County are excluded from the advisory since temps are expected to be slightly cooler in those areas. The advisory is in place from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

HEAT ADVISORY issued for Friday. Get ready to sweat! Air temps are expected to be in the 90s for many communities, but it will also be very humid! That will cause the heat index to soar into the upper 90s and even the low triple digits. pic.twitter.com/7JNTwfxLwR
— Katie McGraw (@KatieMcGrawx) July 27, 2023

Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s with the heat index reaching the triple digits thanks to higher humidity. Many times we will get comments or questions regarding the heat index and why it even matters. The fact is when it gets very hot AND humid, it is actually more difficult for our bodies to naturally cool itself.

If you have to be outside, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure. It might surprise you to hear that the Number 1 deadliest severe weather type is heat!

HEAT ILLNESSES

When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. Below are three heat-related illnesses and what to look out for when it is very hot and humid.

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Symptoms include painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in the legs and abdomen and heavy sweating. You can apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion is more serious and includes heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, or fainting. If you notice these symptoms, move the person to a cooler environment, preferably a well-air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have the person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If the person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour

Heat Stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness. Symptoms include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, and/or loss of consciousness. If you notice any of these symptoms call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Use a fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.

This will be only the second time that temperatures will hit the 90-degree mark this year in Cleveland! That is certainly lower than normal. In a typical year, Cleveland sees nine 90-degree days. We hit 90 degrees on July 5, 2023. The last time it was very hot was last summer, so it's been nearly a year since we have felt it this hot outside!

Storms are expected to return by Friday evening and continue into Saturday as a cold front sinks through the area. This will drop our temperatures and the humidity throughout the day on Saturday. It will be a lot more refreshing and below average for late July!